What is a Final Agency Decision (FAD)?

A Final Agency Decision (FAD) is fundamentally a written agency decision that concludes the administrative process related to a complaint of discrimination filed by an employee or applicant. It represents the official stance of the agency regarding the allegations made, and it provides the resolution reached after an investigation into the claims.

The FAD serves to communicate the findings of the agency, detailing whether the allegations were substantiated or not, and it may include any corrective actions or remedies that have been deemed appropriate. This formal written decision is critical as it often lays the groundwork for any further legal actions, such as appeals in federal court, which an employee may choose to undertake if dissatisfied with the agency's resolution.

In contrast, a summary of all complaints does not reflect a specific decision but rather compiles information. Informal resolutions of disputes denote approaches that do not result in a formal conclusion, and recommendations for mediation imply external or alternative conflict resolution methods rather than a definitive agency ruling. Thus, the essence of the Final Agency Decision lies in its authority and formalized conclusion regarding discrimination complaints.